NASA Astronauts’ Stay at International Space Station Extended Due to Technical Issues
Washington, D.C:Two NASA astronauts, **Bacchus Wilmore** and **Sunni Williams**, who were initially supposed to spend only 8 to 10 days aboard the **International Space Station (ISS)**, will now have to remain in space until **Spring 2024** due to technical issues with their return flight.
The astronauts, who arrived at the ISS on June 6 via **Boeing’s Starliner capsule** for a test flight, were scheduled to return within a week. However, upon preparing for their return, a malfunction was discovered in the **Starliner capsule**, jeopardizing their safety and delaying their departure. As a result, the capsule was sent back empty to Earth.
NASA had originally planned to return Wilmore and Williams using an **SpaceX flight**. However, the return trip was delayed as SpaceX required additional time to prepare their **new capsule** for launch. As a result, Wilmore and Williams will have to remain aboard the ISS until **March or April** 2024, pending the availability of a new crew transfer flight.
In a statement, NASA confirmed that the astronauts would return with two crew members currently aboard the ISS, once a **new crew** arrives aboard a **SpaceX capsule**. According to NASA, the previously planned crew exchange scheduled for **February 2024** will likely be delayed by about a month.
NASA had initially considered using another **SpaceX capsule** for a crew change to ensure the continuity of missions. However, after evaluating options, it was decided that waiting for the new **SpaceX capsule** would be the best approach. Officials emphasized that ensuring the proper rotation of the ISS crew remains a priority, as crew members typically stay aboard the space station for periods ranging from **6 months to a year**.
This delay highlights the technical challenges and complexities of human spaceflight and the ongoing efforts by NASA and private companies to maintain a regular and safe crew rotation at the **International Space Station**.
